Wednesday 18 January 2017

New Zealand vs Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim unlikely for 2nd Test, further denting visitors' hopes

Christchurch: Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim is unlikely to play in the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Friday, denting the tourists' hopes of avoiding defeat in the two-Test series.

New Zealand will overtake Pakistan and move to fifth in the world Test team rankings should they complete a 2-0 Test clean sweep following their dramatic victory earlier this week in the first Test at Wellington.

Mushfiqur was concussed after being hit on the head by a short-pitched delivery and rushed to hospital on Monday, but Bangladesh officials said Wednesday it was a hairline thumb fracture that would keep him sidelined.

"His finger injury is worse," team physiotherapist Dean Conway told reporters. "The hairline crack that has been found is new. He will need to give more time for this injury."

There was no confirmation that Mushfiqur would sit out, but he has been advised by doctors not to rush back after being hit on the back of the helmet by a Tim Southee bouncer.

Conway said that the Bangladesh skipper "may need three to four weeks to return."

His injury, which came with memories still fresh of Australian Phil Hughes's tragic death after being struck by a bouncer in Sydney just over two years ago, has again put the spotlight on the use of the short-pitched delivery as a fast-bowling tactic.

Source:Firstpost

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